CHERY Malaysia's grand re-entry into the market created much buzz in the motoring scene with the Omoda 5 and Tiggo 8 Pro.
As it was revealed during the grand launch event at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre (KLCC), the two sports utility vehicle (SUVs) would be competitively priced packed with a never-seen-before warranty package - the latter exclusive for early buyers.
Omoda 5
The Omoda 5 will be available in two different variants priced at RM108,800 (C) and RM118,800 (H).
The difference between the two is mostly cosmetic and with changes to certain cabin features, with the H variant sporting additional red highlights around the car even on its rims.
Lights are standard across though the H gains sequential signals, and front and rear start up light.
Cabin houses a 10.25-inch infotainment that is compatible (wireless) with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
There's also wireless phone charging, ambient lighting, dual-zone air con with PM 2.5 filter, reverse camera, auto dimming rear view mirror, heated wing mirrors, and proximity sensor keyless entry.
Variant H adds on a 360-degree camera system, full faux leather upholster, an eight-speaker Sony sound system, powered and ventilated front seats as well as powered tailgate, and a sunroof.
Both are front wheel drive (FWD) running on a 1.5 litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine that is paired to a 9-speed continuous variable transmission (CVT) electronic shifter to deliver a performance of 156 hp and 230 Nm of torque.
A full range pack of Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) is standard for both, which includes: lane departure warning and prevention, blind spot detection, emergency lane keeping, rear cross traffic alert, adaptive cruise control with low speed follow, front collision warning and automatic emergency braking, auto high beam, hillstart assist, hill descent control, and tyre pressure monitoring.
Three colour options are available for both variants: Khaki White, Phantom Grey and Dark Black.
Tiggo 8 Pro
The larger 7-seater, single variant front wheel drive (FWD) Tiggo 8 Pro is priced at RM159,800.
Running on 19-inch wheels the SUV defined by the galaxy-esque grille design, rear end LED bar, and T-shaped third brake lights.
Lighting across the model includes automatic LED headlamps with LED daytime running lights, LED tail lamps, welcome lights, and multi-colour cabin ambient lighting.
A 24.6-inch dual screen dominates the front console inside the cabin alongside eight Sony speakers for its audio system.
Other highlight features includes: electronic parking brake with auto hold, electric front seats with ventilation and heating, driver's seat memory, dual-zone auto air con with rear vents, hands-free powered tailgate, electronic panoramic sunroof, wireless phone charger, wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and proximity sensor keyless entry.
Performance is governed by a 2.0L turbocharged four-cylinder engine mated to a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission to deliver 256 hp and 390 Nm of torque. It has three drive modes: Eco, Normal and Sport.
A full ADAS suite includes functions such as lane departure warning and steer, blind spot detection, door open warning, rear cross traffic alert, adaptive cruise control, and front collision warning with AEB, all-around camera, and an impressive nine airbags.
Colour options are available in Dark Black and Khaki White.
Warranty
Chery is also offering a special comprehensive warranty policy which includes a 7-year or 150,000-kilometer vehicle warranty, and a 10-year or a million-km engine warranty for the first 3,000 customers.
Those who wish to enjoy a similar extended warranty package can do so by topping up RM2,000 for it.
All of them are only available as locally made (CKD) models with delivery set to be made in August.
The decision was made with the aim to improve consumer confidence in the brand by ensuring the availability of parts.
The company plans to launch their very own electric vehicle (EV) models in 2024. Chery has for the time being decided to hold off its EV plans until then to further survey the local market demand for EVs.
They've also hinted that at least a total of seven models, in addition to the current two, will be made available for the local market by next year.
This includes the Omoda 5 EV and the Tiggo 7 Pro.
As a start the brand is supported locally with the opening of 31 dealerships across the nation and the Inokom manufacturing facility in Kulim, Kedah.